Basil Italian Large Leaf HEIRLOOM Seeds

Ocimum basilicum

Item #5022

Annual. There is nothing like the aroma of
basil in the summer! There is no more
useful herb; use in a number of Italian
dishes. Accent fish, poultry and rice,
add to mild vegetables and salads,
serve with fresh mozzarella, or make
basil vinegar! In a warm, south window,
basil can grow indoors in the winter!
A good container variety.

When to sow outside: RECOMMENDED.
1 to 2 weeks after average last frost, and
when temperatures are warm. Recommend 3
or 4 successive sowings every 3 weeks
after initial sowing. Basil is
very sensitive to frost.

When to start inside: 6 to 8 weeks
before transplanting outside.

Special sowing instructions: Easy
to grow from seed. Must have warm
temperatures; wait to sow outdoors until nighttime temperature are above 50°F.

Harvesting: Basil should be harvested
before the plant flowers. The leaves
have more flavor when harvested in the
morning. The young, top leaves taste the
best, and should be used fresh; the older
leaves may be used for vinegar and pesto.
Cut a few stems but never more than 1/3
of the plant. Wash stems, gently shake dry,
and strip the leaves off the stem. If there is
any chance of temperature dropping to
32°F, harvest crop immediately; basil is
very frost sensitive.